I updated my Portfolio page in anticipation of running out of Unemployment benefits in March.  I don't see any solid job prospects on the horizon (of course I'm hoping I'm wrong) and I may need to become self-employed just to bring in some pocket-change.

I've decided to remove the flaming bowl.  I want to replace it with something fiery (not necessarily fire itself) to keep elemental balance.  I need to find something a little more employer-attractive for that spot.

I'm still reading my Java textbook for school and reading about firewalls for my Apache server.  I have a pretty good system, I just want to make sure I haven't left any gaping holes before I "go live".

I put in my order for my business cards at the local print shop.  I like this print shop (Ballard Printing).  They are located about 3 blocks from my house.  I've been worried that they might be going through a difficult transition.  They are a family business and the father (Ed, he was always sweet to me) died not too long ago.  I wanted to be sure to bring my business there, even though for them it is a small job.

I never heard of Phi Theta Kappa before, and if I had, I would have assumed they were a fraternity house or a sorority.  Turns out they are a 2-year college honor society, with a damn impressive non-discrimination clause.  I'm holding in my hand an invitation to join the society, printed on NSCC stationery.  There are applications to fill out plus a one time fee (not very expensive).  There maybe new networking and scholarship opportunities for me if I join and I figure it is worth the try.

See?  I said I was busting my butt to get good grades.

I still need to line up some speakers and install parties for Seattle Linux Chix and advertise them. 

I'm still looking for employment. 

Tom and I attended the Arlo Gutherie concert at the Paramount Theatre Saturday night.  The Paramount is gorgeous and is the closest approximation to my beloved Carnegie Hall in the Pacific Northwest and the accoustics are almost as good.  This particular night, the sound crew had Arlo's vocals a touch too loud and there was some noise that a trained ear (like mine) could catch.  It wasn't a big deal, but I hope they do better next time.

Arlo was worth seeing (and hearing) (again).  He started the set with a few of his Dad's tunes to get those out of the way early; performed the two things I was hoping to hear most:  his Motorcyle Song, and the Mooses Come Walking poem.  He also performed City of New Orleans, Coming into Los Angeles, This Land is Your Land ("just because he wrote California to the New York Island, it doesn't necessarily mean the short way"), and he gave us one of the stanzas that "didn't make it into the school song book" ("saw a sign said 'No Trespassing' but on the other side, it didn't say nothing.  That side was made for you and me").  And he was generally the same Arlo that I remember from the many times I've seen him before.  He told some great stories and gave us some historical perspective on everything from folkmusic to international affairs.

The audience seemed to be all ages, certainly more diverse than I expected, with some people at least 15 years older than I am to some very well behaved grade-school kids.  There was an unexpectedly large number of 30 year-olds, which I was very glad to see.

The weather has been Spring-like and I'm thinking we might have another snowless Winter.  I would like to see snow, but I can't complain about not having ice on the street.  If this weather keeps up, it is going to be too late for me to prune my trees!  I should have done it back in November!